One of two common opponents on their ledger (Lyoto Machida the other), “The American Psycho” will watch the combatants settle their grudge inside the octagon tonight at UFC 145 in Atlanta’s Philips Arena with the critical eye of a past adversary and UFC analyst.

Bonnar wouldn’t bet against the champion, but he is intrigued by Evans’ chances. Despite 4-to-1 underdog status, Evans’ opportunity to cut short Jones’ title run is the best in the division, Bonnar said.

Much has been made of Jones and Evans’ past training together at Jackson-Winkeljohn MMA in Albuquerque, N.M., when Jones was a rising star and Evans a former champion angling to challenge for the belt once more. Those sessions cannot be discounted.

“It’s a familiarity that definitely can be an advantage,” he told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) via e-mail. “Rashad’s somewhat used to Jones’ style.”

“Suga” is faced with the tall task of dethroning the youngest champion in UFC history – a fighter boasting the longest reach, 84.5 inches, in the organization. The bout heavily hinges on the former Michigan State wrestler denting Jones’ 100-percent takedown-defense percentage. Evans’ footwork, speed and level-changing ability must force Jones to his back or else difficulty ensues “[making] Jones fear the threat of a takedown,” which Bonnar understands is key to “open up his striking.”

Philips Arena hosted Evans’ greatest highlight-reel victory: a 2008 “Knockout of the Year” candidate vs. UFC Hall of Famer Chuck Liddell. Events then captured the UFC’s 205-pound title in his next bout.

It was a belt he never successfully defended – and a title he hopes to prevent Jones from retaining a third time by delivering another career-defining moment in Atlanta. Preparing at his Blackzilians camp in Florida across the country from the mats he shared with Jones under Jackson’s guidance, Evans’ focus, according to Bonnar, will be on competing for the UFC light-heavyweight championship and not the heavy storylines about personal fallouts. Like Jones, he must worry about staying off his back – the last place Evans should be in this title clash.

Bonnar recalls the difficulties of attempting to strike and wrestle around Jones’ record reach.

“You try to reach him so bad,” said the seven-year UFC veteran and, “you fall in and leave yourself open for the takedown.”

A strategy well executed by Evans in his January unanimous-decision victory over Phil Davis found the former champion catching kicks to aggressively counter striker or instigate takedowns. Bonnar believes this remains essential in Evans’ game plan if he aims to recapture the gold.

“Takedowns are the key to Jones’ muay Thai,” he said. “Whenever you kick you’re on one leg and vulnerable to be taken down.”

Navigating the championship waters of a high-stakes, 25-minute fight promises tense moments before the winner delivers the bout’s defining blows.

“Usually the more bad blood, the more cautious fighters become,” Bonnar noted.

Caution suddenly turning to controlled chaos determines a champion Saturday night, perhaps as quickly as Jones’ ascent or as doggedly as Evans’ pursuit of his second UFC title run.

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